SDOT and Commute Seattle to host Light Up Your Ride! event

As the days get shorter, people on bicycles need to take  special care to be visible to cars and buses. An Australian study released this year revealed that people bicycling consistently overestimate their visibility to vehicles.

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That's why Commute Seattle and the Seattle Department of Transportation are partnering up to host a Light Up Your Ride! event on Thursday, Oct. 24, to raise awareness about nighttime visibility.

While front and rear bicycle lights are essential – and required by city law – reflectivity is under-appreciated but often more impactful, especially when viewed from the side.

“Being able to see and to be seen are the most important safety considerations bicyclists should take  into account during winter bike commuting,” said Commute Seattle Interim Executive Director Jessica Szelag. “Front and rear lights alone are not enough to be seen from a distance by cars and buses. We hope to show commuters how adding reflective tape, lights, and clothing can really increase your safety when riding on city streets at night.”

At the event, attendees can peruse the latest in lighting, visibility and winter gear from VeloBikeShop and Wandergoods, sip hot chocolate, work on their bike at the Sportworks’ fix-it stand, practice loading their bicycles onto a Metro bus, and take home swag and raffle prizes.

“Seattle started the Be Super Safe campaign because we are all responsible for looking out for each other on our city’s roads,” said Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. “Working together we can reduce collisions between bicycles, buses and cars, and proper lighting is an important part of that. We’re proud to partner with Commute Seattle on this critical issue.”

Details:

Light Up Your Ride!
Thursday, Oct. 24
4-6 p.m. in McGraw Square (5th and Stewart).